Overheating is dangerous for dogs and can lead to dehydration, seizures, heatstroke, and in some cases, even death. As the weather gets warmer, it becomes more important than ever to know how to keep them cool and prevent these health conditions from developing.
Thousands of dogs die from heatstroke every single year, and a recent study in the UK showed that 75% of cases were caused by exercise, 13% by environmental heat, and 5% by being trapped in hot cars.
If you don't have air conditioning at home, it can feel difficult to keep yourself cool – let alone your pets with their furry coats – but we've shared some top tips below that can help, using things you probably already have lying around.
How to keep your dog cool
Here are six easy ways to keep your dog cool in the summer, recommended by expert vet Dr Joanna Woodnutt:
1. Keep them shaded
Some dogs would rather sit in the sun all day than seek out a cool, sheltered spot. However, it’s important to keep them in the shade on hot days (even if they’d prefer to sunbathe!) – whether that means putting a canopy over their outdoor bed or putting them inside altogether. Always make sure they’re out of direct sunlight.
2. Give them a cooling mat
One of the best ways to help your dog lose heat is by giving them a cool surface to lie on – even better if it’s one of the best cooling mats for dogs. Some of these don’t even need to be put in the freezer beforehand and contain pressure-activated gel that cools when your dog lies on it.
3. Hydrate them
Keeping your dog hydrated on a hot day could save their life. As a pet parent, I know how hard it can be to encourage a dog to drink more – but things like the best pet water fountains and flavored drops have made it so much easier.
4. Get them wet
Getting your dog wet is another great way to cool them down – whether it’s playing a game in the sprinkler, gently hosing them down, or setting up one of the best swimming pools for dogs in a shady spot in the garden. Make sure the water reaches right down to their skin, as the evaporation will help cool them.
If you decide to let them run around in the sprinkler, only allow play for 10 minutes to reduce the risk of water intoxication.
5. Use a fan
There’s nothing better than a cooling fan on a hot day, and most of the time, your dog will appreciate a breeze too. However, if they’re trying to get away from the fan or are afraid of loud noises, you could try using a handheld device instead – some even have the option of misting water too.
6. Homemade ice popsicles
Did you know that dogs enjoy frozen treats just as much as we do? While you shouldn't feed them regular store-bought popsicles that contain sweeteners and ingredients toxic to dogs, you can whip up some of your own at home using a silicone mold – just pour in some water along with their regular food or treats, then freeze.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs
If your dog is panting, seeking shade, or has increased thirst, it means they're too hot and you need to reduce the temperature of their environment.
Heatstroke happens when their body temperature reaches 104–106°F (40–41°C) and they're unable to cool themselves down, which can lead to organ failure, seizures, and death. Keep an eye out for the following signs of heatstroke:
- Panting heavily
- Drooling heavily
- Seeming weak or lethargic
- Having blue, red, or purple gums that feel sticky to the touch
- Vomiting or having diarrhea
- Seeming confused or wobbly
- Shaking or having seizures
- Coughing or wheezing
In this situation, pour tap water on their body, put them in a cool and shady spot, blow air conditioning on them if you can, and take them to the vet immediately (call ahead to let them know you're on your way). Whatever you do, never put a wet towel over them – it actually has the opposite effect of what you're trying to achieve.
Being prepared for hot weather and recognizing the signs of overheating and heatstroke could save your dog’s life.
Read next: How to cool down a dog and signs it's too hot to walk your dog
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.
